SELECTION OF YOUTH ENTREPRENEURS SUPPORTING THEIR PROJECTS
14th March 2025, VJN Center, Peace Hall
The sun rose brightly on the morning of 14th March 2025, casting a golden glow over the VJN Center, where the Peace Hall stood as a beacon of hope and opportunity for young entrepreneurs. The air was filled with anticipation and excitement as the day marked a significant milestone for the youth in the community. The occasion was the much-awaited audition for the "Selection of Youth Entrepreneurs Supporting Their Projects," an initiative under the MISEREOR Project, aimed at strengthening youth creativity by encouraging, guiding, supporting, and promoting their innovative ideas.
The event was organized by VJN, a renowned organization dedicated to empowering young minds and fostering sustainable development. The goal was simple yet profound: to identify and support young entrepreneurs with viable projects that could transform their communities and, ultimately, the world. The day promised to be a celebration of innovation, determination, and the boundless potential of youth.
By 8:00 AM, the Peace Hall was abuzz with activity. The VJN staff, dressed in their signature blue and white attire, were busy setting up the venue. The hall was adorned with banners showcasing the MISEREOR Project's mission and the VJN logo, while a large screen displayed the words: "Empowering Youth, Building the Future." At the front of the hall, a panel of judges sat at a long table, ready to evaluate the projects. The judges, all seasoned professionals from VJN, were tasked with the challenging yet rewarding responsibility of selecting the most promising initiatives.
By 9:00 AM, the hall was filled with 31 young entrepreneurs, each carrying the weight of their dreams and the hope of securing financial support for their projects. The participants, aged between 18 and 30, came from diverse backgrounds but shared a common goal: to turn their innovative ideas into reality. The atmosphere was electric, with nervous whispers and last-minute rehearsals filling the air.
The event officially began with a warm welcome from the VJN Program Coordinator, Ms. Divine UUMURERWA. She emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and the role of creativity in driving sustainable development. "Today is not just about selecting projects; it is about recognizing the potential within each of you and providing the support you need to thrive," she said, her words met with enthusiastic applause.
She Invited the Executive Director of VJN , brother Vital RINGUYENEZA for an official opening remark, who reiterated the organization's commitment to supporting youth initiatives. "Today is just the beginning," he said. "We will continue to walk with you, providing guidance, mentorship, and resources to ensure your success."
The presentations began shortly after, with each participant given 10 minutes to pitch their project to the judges. The diversity of ideas was astounding, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the youth. From agriculture to technology, from handicrafts to renewable energy, the projects showcased the breadth of talent and vision among the participants.
Among the projects presented was a Mobile Money initiative, which aimed to provide financial inclusion for rural communities by offering accessible and affordable digital payment solutions. The project demonstrated how technology could bridge the gap between urban and rural economies.
Another standout was an agricultural project focused on fruit farming, which proposed innovative techniques for increasing yield and reducing post-harvest losses. The project highlighted the potential of agriculture to create sustainable livelihoods while addressing food security challenges.
A pork breeding project also caught the attention of the judges, with its focus on modernizing livestock farming practices to improve productivity and profitability. The entrepreneur behind the project emphasized the importance of training and capacity-building for small-scale farmers.
The poultry farming project was equally impressive, showcasing a model for sustainable and scalable poultry production. The project included plans for organic feed production and waste management, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability.
In the realm of technology, a project aimed at raising information technology awareness among youth stood out. The initiative proposed workshops and training programs to equip young people with digital skills, preparing them for the demands of the modern job market.
The handicraft project brought a touch of artistry to the event, with its focus on creating unique, marketable products using locally sourced materials. The project also emphasized the preservation of cultural heritage through craftsmanship.
A blacksmithing project that utilized recycled materials to produce tools and household items was another highlight. The project not only promoted environmental sustainability but also demonstrated the potential of traditional skills in modern economies.
Finally, a basic commodities trading project showcased a model for connecting small-scale producers with larger markets, ensuring fair prices and reducing middlemen exploitation. The project aimed to empower local traders and boost economic activity in underserved areas.
As the day progressed, the judges faced the difficult task of evaluating the projects based on criteria such as innovation, feasibility, social impact, and sustainability. The participants, though nervous, displayed remarkable poise and determination, answering questions with confidence and clarity.
By 4:00 PM, all 31 presentations had been completed, and the judges retreated to deliberate. Meanwhile, the participants were treated to a networking session, where they exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and formed connections that would likely last a lifetime. The sense of camaraderie was palpable, as the young entrepreneurs realized they were not alone in their journey.
At 5:30 PM, the judges returned to the hall, and the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Ms. Njoroge took to the stage once more, this time to announce the results. She began by commending all the participants for their hard work and creativity. "Each of you is a winner today," she said, "because you dared to dream and took the first step toward making those dreams a reality."
The top five projects were then announced, with each winner receiving a certificate of recognition and a pledge of financial support from VJN through the MISEREOR Project. The winners included the Mobile Money initiative, the fruit farming project, the pork breeding project, the information technology awareness project, and the handicraft project.
As the sun set on the VJN Center, the young entrepreneurs left the Peace Hall with renewed hope and determination. The event had not only provided them with a platform to showcase their ideas but also instilled in them the belief that their dreams were valid and achievable.
VJN, too, was filled with pride and optimism. The organization had once again demonstrated its dedication to nurturing youth talent and fostering innovation. With plans to expand the initiative and welcome more young entrepreneurs into the fold, VJN looked forward to a future where the seeds planted on 14th March 2025 would grow into thriving enterprises, transforming communities and shaping a brighter tomorrow.
The "Selection of Youth Entrepreneurs Supporting Their Projects" was more than just an event; it was a testament to the power of youth, the importance of support, and the limitless potential of human creativity. And as the stars twinkled above the VJN Center that night, they seemed to shine a little brighter, as if celebrating the dreams that had taken flight within the walls of the Peace Hall.
